Becoming Us Professional Training Course Outline

Loving

You’ll learn the difference between bonding and attachment and why the perinatal period is ripe for creating a stronger attachment bond between partners. We'll also look at relationship dynamics and how they change during the perinatal period (the new 'us' for couples). You'll also learn the three stages of a long-term relationship.

Learning

You'll learn why the term "the transition into parenthood" is such a huge understatement! You’ll discover that there are both helpful and unhelpful expectations of parenthood – and the effect of these on coping. You’ll learn about the Orchid Hypothesis, which grew out of research into neuroplasticity and how this applies to adult learning and get a “Seed Planting Guide” to plant healthy expectations for your clients.

Growing

You'll learn the stages of individual growth and how they apply to parenthood. You’ll also learn about the three steps for emotional wellbeing and be introduced to the topic of Perinatal Mood Disorders and how you can use this information with your clients, whether you work with them during pregnancy or beyond.

Relating

You’ll learn “the way we work” and (and get to try out) the guidelines and skills for intimate communication, a style of relating that can change relationship DNA. You'll learn a model of conflict resolution, an approach that won't just improve the situation, but your client's whole relationship.

Step 1 - Prepare Prenatally (Pack Carefully!)

We call it “expecting” but expecting is a huge waste of time and a lost opportunity. We shouldcall it "preparing". Discover the common concerns for expecting parents, how to open the linesof communication and how to prepare your clients to reduce postpartum risk. You’ll learn moreabout antenatal Mood Disorders in this session.

Step 2 - Build a Nest

Couples often prepare a birth plan, but birth is just the beginning. The postpartum period, thefourth trimester, is pivotal for all members of a new family. You’ll learn about stress and coping,common concerns of new parenthood and postpartum Mood Disorders.

Step 3 - Adjust Expectations

According to research by beyondblue, 30% of mothers say unmet expectations of life and lovepost-baby contributed to their Postnatal/Postpartum Depression. You'll learn where parenthoodexpectations come from and how to gently tease out and manage expectations to supportcoping.

Step 4 - Set Up Base Camp

This stage prepares couples for the most likely challenges in the first few months of parenthood.Learn what mothers, fathers and partners need, and how to get these needs met, so they canbest meet the needs of their baby. You’ll learn how these needs are ordered to create a solidbase for a family.

Step 5 - Embracing Emotions

Parenthood is a time of increased emotional vulnerability. You’ll learn the complex and typicalfeelings of new mothers and new fathers/partners. You’ll also learn how to help couplescommunicate what’s going on deep inside them, at the same time deepening the emotionalbond between a couple through connection and empathy.

Step 6 - Welcoming Parent Selves (Identity and Self-Esteem)

Most parents expect aspects of life to change after baby but most don’t expect aspects ofthemselves to. Changes in both mothers’ and fathers’ sense of identity and self-esteem canundermine both parenting and co-parenting ability. In this session you’ll learn to support yourclients to embrace the changes and understand the importance of being a team.

Step 7 - Growing Together through Differences

A whopping 92% of couples report increased conflict in the first year after baby. You'll learn thefactors that contribute to conflict and the big issues for parents. You'll learn a way of managingissues that can bring couples closer, instead of sending them apart.

Step 8 - Connecting and Reconnecting

By this point, it may not come as a surprise to know that 67% of couples report declinedrelationship satisfaction in the first three years of family. In the final step of the Becoming Usmodel, you'll learn the “layers” of intimacy and how to keep couples connected - mentally,emotionally, sensually and sexually.

Reducing Risks for Affairs, Addiction and Abuse

It’s a tragic fact that pregnancy and early parenthood can be a time of increased risk foraffairs, addiction and abuse. You'll know why and how to reduce the risk for your clients. Andfor those who have experienced it, there is hope. You'll bring more awareness, understanding,empathy and appreciation for your clients - and them for each other.

Reducing Risks for Birth Trauma, Grief, Depression and Anxiety

You’ll learn the impact of birth trauma and emotional distress such as grief, anxiety ordepression on couple bonding. You’ll know the signs and symptoms for both mothers andfathers, how to reduce the risks and promote coping for your clients. You'll know how couplescan grow closer through these challenges.